What you need to know about Kamran Ghulam – The local star who replaced Babar Azam in the second Test against England.

Kamran Ghulamrising star in the middle PakistanDomestic cricket, firmly in the limelight after being appointed as a substitute Babar Azam in the XI playing the second Test against it In England. With Pakistan looking to bounce back after losing the first Test, all eyes will be on Ghulam to see if he can rise to the challenge.

Here’s everything you need to know about Ghulam and what makes him such an exciting player in the Pakistan Test team.

1. Background and early work

Ghulam was born on October 10, 1995, in Upper Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He grew up playing cricket in the northern region of Pakistan, an area known for producing talented cricketers. Ghulam’s journey through the ranks of domestic cricket was marked by perseverance and consistent performance, eventually earning him a place in the Pakistan A and domestic teams.

2. Success in domestic cricket

Ghulam’s biggest breakthrough came during the 2020-21 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s top-level domestic tournament. Playing for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he scored a record-breaking 1,249 runs in a single season, the highest by any player in the history of the tournament. This performance helped to establish his credentials as a solid middle-order batsman who can hold an innings or accelerate when needed.

3. Consistency and strategy

Ghulam’s greatest strength is his consistent scoring ability. He was a reliable player in domestic cricket, known for his calm manner and strong tactics. His ability to play spin and pace with ease has made him a valuable asset, especially in situations that allow for swing or spin. His strong back-foot game helps him master short-pitched deliveries, while his composure against spin makes him a reliable player in the middle order.

4. Recognition at PCB Awards 2020

For his brilliant and consistent performance in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Ghulam has been named the domestic cricketer of the Year at the PCB Awards 2020. He finished with 1249 runs in 20 innings at an outstanding average of 62.45.

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5. International debut and selection

Notably, in November 2021, Ghulam was named in Pakistan’s test team for their series against Bangladesh. In February 2022, he was selected as a test player for Pakistan for their series against Australia. In 2023, he made his ODI debut against New Zealand in January. With Babar ruled out due to a dip in form, Ghulam has been called up to fill the gap in the upcoming second Test against England.

6. Role in the second test group

In the upcoming second Test, Ghulam is expected to play a key role in stabilizing Pakistan’s middle order. The team management hopes that his steady approach and ability to play long innings can provide the required balance in the batting line-up. With the match being played under spin-friendly conditions in Multan, Ghulam’s experience against spin bowlers will be an added advantage.

7. Challenges and expectations

Making a debut in a top-flight game is never easy, and Ghulam will have added pressure to replace the likes of Babar, who has been a mainstay of Pakistan’s batting line-up. However, Ghulam has shown consistency throughout his career, and this will be his chance to prove himself on the biggest stage. The cricketing community will be watching to see if he can translate his domestic success into international glory.

8. Future prospects

A successful start in the second Test against England could pave the way for Ghulam to play regularly for Pakistan’s Test team. With his ability to build an innings and adapt to different situations, he has the potential to be a key player for Pakistan in all formats. Given his talent, Ghulam has a long career ahead of him, and this opportunity could be the start of a promising international journey.

UPDATE: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi out of Pakistan squad for 2nd and 3rd Test against England